Three incredible experiences in Reykjavik

I can't say really crossed my mind visit Reykjavik while backpacking; tight budget and Iceland are not traditionally synonymous. However, as I discovered recently, it is possible to easily combine the two. Do not put by reputation expensive to plan his sabbatical; Iceland will be an experience that possesses the rest of his life. For accommodation there are some pretty cheap hostels, as well as some good B & B to eat out in Reykjavik will never be 'cheap as chips' but if keeping your eyes wide open and remove the menus before going inside - then you can keep control of the pennies.

Despite my trips there a fair few things on my bucket list and a long weekend in Reykjavik hit three at once. As our taxi took us through the impeccably clean streets, brightly colored roofs glinting beneath the sparkling spring snow, felt an immediate affinity for the city. And do not allow outside Plácido cheat him, there's dynamism to the northernmost city of the worlds that burns bright with midnight oil. Day there are charming walks to take and excellent galleries and museums to visit and some cool night out clubs and bars, but for me there are three things that I just have to do...
Blue Lagoon and Gulfoss

One of Iceland most famous wondered natural, the Blue Lagoon is a teen film 80 corny but a geothermal spa in the middle of a field of lava that not only cleans the skin, but also the soul. As we soaked in steaming waters were stoked by the peace of mind. The light blue sky flew over the turquoise water as a security blanket. I could have been there forever, but reluctantly continue on. We are glad that I did when we saw the impressive cascade of Gulfoss and thermal incredible breath of Geysir and Strokkur…. it is well worth a visit.
Whale watching
This is, literally, an impressive activity that everyone should experience at least once in their life. Take one of the walks in ship leaving port of Reykjavik on a daily basis and will have an excellent opportunity to see a whole series of these majestic animals. We were lucky to mink spot, sperm, humpback and orca on our trip. Blue whales are also a regular visitor to the area.
Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena that this planet has to offer. The best time to envision them is with a clear sky (unfortunately not guaranteed) between September and April. We take a coach tour of the city, but there are also private options. No matter how scientific mind, challenge anyone not blown away by the magic swirl of neon green and purple I flicker and propagate across the sky. It was truly an experience out of this world.
Author bio: Liah S Thorley
Liah S Thorley is a writer and author of the United Kingdom. She has traveled extensively and particularly enjoys history and the arts.
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Take your sabbatical time to relax

So they decided to take a sabbatical and head in the world for a year of travel, work and adventure. This year, it is essential to remember that your body and soul need time to rest and recover too. Where ever you are in the world there are are many hotels and spas that offer spa cheap breaks and spa days allow you to essential me time.

From Europe, Asia and America there are many hotels out there that offer spa cheap jumps. In Europe many hotels offer very reasonable mid week breaks for those with a cheap budget. These jumps include treatment, the full use of facilities for leisure and fitness of hotels and accommodation 1 to 2 nights of. Many hotels also offer spa days where tired travellers can take some time waiting, relax with a treatment, light lunch and recharge their batteries before your adventure again.
Throughout Asia, many spas offer cheap spa days and cheap spa breaks with traditional treatments and local to be sampled. In Thailand there are several hostels which offer traditional Thai massage in settings quiet all the feeling of a rest of luxury without the price tag. Bali is famous for its luxurious retreats and spas but lately several low-cost budget spas and retreats, have been built close to the famous beaches of white sand that offers treatments relaxing spa for those travelling on a small budget. Many of these hostels charge only a little more for a spa experience that would make him only for a day of accommodation. Most hostels offer spa treatments also allows travellers from the use of the Jacuzzi, swimming pool and leisure, while the majority have private outdoor showers with homes. Some houses are aimed at groups of young travellers to accommodate up to 4 people at the same time, ideal for groups of single sex travelling together.
In America, many traditional resorts offering spa cheap days of walk in customers, incorporating a light lunch, drinks and treatments of 1 or 2, this gives the young traveller a relaxing rest before returning to adventure. Day in Las Vegas and Reno spas are exceptionally popular among travellers younger budget restricted due to the available cheap accommodation and nightlife. For those down in South America there are many shelters in Ecuador that offer settings of tranquil rainforest and local traditional treatments with the Ecuadorian cuisine. Ecuador is popular among students from year gap take time out to work for environmental protection and ecological projects and after a hard day's in the jungle by why not enjoy a relaxing spa treatment.
So if you take his sabbatical in a rainforest or backpack around the world there are many hostels and hotels which can offer you relaxation, traditional spa treatments and recharge their batteries without being excessively expensive.
Image: Spa breaks

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India Varkala | Accommodation, restaurants, shops, Show Kathakali | Varkala India, India bag, travel to the India

Varkala India This article

I spent 8 days in total in Varkala and enjoyed it almost every second.

I love the beach! And compared to Kovalam, Varkala is more laid-back and soothing. Just imagine a cliff surrounding a beach with luscious palm trees in the background. The sound of the ocean makes your thoughts flow away. Fruit sellers are yelling "Pineapple, pineapple madam", "Coconut, coconut" and at the same time crows are making awful noise.

The beach at North Cliff is in fact very nice if you look beneath it, but I'm sorry to say that it's buried in plastic, cans and bottles hanging from the cliff. It's very sad that the local government/population isn't doing anything. It's just laying there, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

For some years backpackers have preferred Varkala over Kovalam when they visited Kerala, because it's supposed to be less touristy.

I will tell you right away: Varkala has become touristy.

Varkala India: A LONG stairway
Don't get me wrong, Varkala was stunning and it was easy to get around. It was perfect for solo travelers like me. But it's overrated as a backpacker's destination. When I stayed at Shiva Garden I talked to travelers who have been to Varkala for the last decade.

I asked them: "So you have been here several times, you must love Varkala?"

Their answer was: "No, I love Shiva Garden, not Varkala anymore."

It's inevitable. Ever since the local government launched Kerala as 'God's Own Country' in 2000, the tourist arrivals have boomed in the state and especially along the coast.

Naturally, places like Varkala becomes touristy. On the bright side, even it was touristy I didn't feel it was overcrowded.

Backpackers, tourists, families, retirees and the hippies -? you will find them there.

Even if Varkala is touristy there are still some cheap rooms and cheap food. I will tell you about my experiences from Varkala, whether it was the food, the shopping and the 'tea-pot-beer'-drinking.

:-)

By air: The nearest airport is near Trivandrum. At the airport you can arrange pre-paid taxis to Varkala. The taxi booth is right next to the arrival exit -? you can't miss it.

By train: Several trains to Varkala leave cities and towns like Trivandrum (30 min-1 hour), Kochi (3-4 hours), Alleppey (2-3 hours), Kozhikode (8-8,5 hours) and Kollam (30 minutes).

Note: Most of the trains are on-time, but be prepared for delays as well.

For more information on train travel in India, visit this page

To get the cheapest train ticket (at least it was the cheapest I got), buy a train ticket directly at the train station.

Ask for General Quota -? unreserved seats.

A trip from Trivandrum to Varkala on General Quota cost me Rs 21, while a ticket through Cleartrip would have cost me Rs 58. The differences are small, but it's at least a way for budget travelers to save money on train travel.

If you buy General Quota unreserved seats, the seats are located in the first and last coach of the train.

The disadvantage about this type of ticket is that you're not guaranteed a seat. But if you're just going to Varkala, you're looking at a 30-minutes to 1-hour journey. It's feasible at Rs 21.

When you get off the train, there are Rickshaws and taxis waiting to take you to Varkala beach. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to get there. For Rickshaws expect to pay between Rs 50-80 depending on your bargaining skills.

By bus: The bus routes I know about start from Trivandrum (Thampanoor bus stand) and Kollam, but I'm sure that you can get a bus to Varkala from other places in Kerala. One of my class mates took a bus from Ambalapuzha (30 minutes south of Alleppey) to Varkala and that cost her Rs 60.

By taxi: You can also a taxi to Varkala but it's of course expensive. We took a taxi from Varkala to Alleppey (we were 5 girls), and it cost Rs 2700 (they had to arrange a bigger car). If we were maximum four people, it would have cost us Rs 2100 to Alleppey. The taxi will usually pick you up at the guesthouse/hotel.

I arranged the ride at a travel agency right next to Little Tibet. Otherwise there's a taxi stand at the far south of North Cliff.

Important places to know about Varkala India:
Pharmacies can be found along the stretch of North Cliff You can't find banks and ATMS at Varkala beach. You have to take a short rickshaw-ride to Varkala village (less than 5 minutes). When the Rickshaw drives downwards the main hill and towards the village, you'll see an ATM on the right side of the road. It's near the Temple Junction. Otherwise several travel agencies do cash withdrawals. There's a 3-4 % fee.There's no shortage of internet cafes in Varkala. They charge Rs 40 per hour, and the connection is slow.

 

Laos Tours | To learn about the culture of Laos and Lao cuisine | Places to visit in Laos

Looking for tours in Laos?

-- Great, you've come to the right place!

Laos is one of my favorite backpacking destinations because it's calmer than the rest of Southeast Asia. Yet, it offers travelers a wide variety of things to see!

Great trekking options where you can wander off to waterfalls and caves, French colonial architecture and mouth watering Lao food are just some of the few things you can experience in Laos.

The tours below are carefully selected. If you want you can even tailor the tours -- whatever suits your needs and wants :-)

Here's our selection of tours:

If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be glad to help you :-)

Hope you find something you like!

 

Tours in Laos

Akha is a hill tribe in Laos, who believe in animism. They believe in a world filled with spirits, whether it's humans, animals, plants or stones.

Day 1: The first day starts with a trek from That Xieng Tueng to Nam Keo Noi waterfall where you can enjoy a traditional Akha lunch prepared by the villagers of Lao Khao.

Then you'll continue trekking through the lush landscape and join your guide in activities such as birds watching, collecting bamboo shoots or medicinal plants.

Today's trek ends in Ban Lao Khao Village where you can spend the evening listening to Akha music, observing the courting rituals of the Akha youth.

Finish the day with a traditional massage after dinner.

Day 2: On your second day, you will be trekking to several Akha villages, including Ban Phou Yae, Ban Houeinagang and Ban Eu La.

At these villages, you can join the villagers in activities such as cotton spinning, buffalo riding and rice pounding. After that you'll have lunch with your host family.

During the evening, you'll be arriving in Ban Tamee for your homestay, where dinner is waiting for you.

Day 3: On your last day you'll continue trekking, with a rest stop in Ban Nam Hoo and lunch at the village of Ban Mona or Ban Piyer.

Along the way, you'll pass through fields with villagers at work and enjoy the panoramic views of Muang Sing.

In Ban Piyer there's a handicraft shop, where you can watch original handicraft.

Finally, a van transfer brings you back to Muang Sing where you will have the opportunity of exploring the town and visiting the tribal museum.

 

Tours in Laos

Do you want some luxury involved in your tour? Why not try Luang Prabang Style?

Day 1: Your first day starts with a special Baci ceremony where you receive blessings of good luck for your journey in Luang Prabang where you'll spend the night.

If you are interested to watch a traditional Lao performance, you will be guided to the Royal Ballet Theater. Then have dinner at L'Elephant, one of the city's top restaurants.

Day 2: You'll start off your second day with a guided tour of Luang Prabang's most important temple sites.

In the afternoon you can select one from three options: an electric-bike ride through hidden parts of the city, a hands-on textile and weaving workshop or a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Late on the afternoon, you're going on a river cruise aboard the Nava Mekong riverboat with a gourmet Lao dinner served on board.

Day 3: If you want you can observe or join the local residents along the streets to offer alms to the monks.

Then return to your hotel for breakfast. Depending on your onward schedule, there may be time to visit the Heritage Information Center, where you can learn more about the heritage and culture of Luang Prabang.

 

Tours in Laos

Caving is one of the specialties of Laos. I've been caving myself in Vang Vieng, and it was awesome. Read more about limestone caves here (opens in a new window).

Day 1: Vientiane - Thakek - Ban Napouar - Sala Hinboun

In the morning your guide and private car will meet you at your hotel and drive you from Vientiane about 3 hours on route 13 then route 8 to, the gateway to Kong Lor Caves.

Lunch is served in a local restaurant before reaching Ban Napouar pier, 16 km further, where depending on weather conditions, you will embark on a local slow boat or continue driving to Sala Hinboun (1 or 2 hours).

Arrive in Sala Hinboun in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Day 2: Your second day will be a full day with a boat excursion through limestone caves and underground rivers of Kong Lor.

Kong Lor Cave is a 7.5 km-long limestone cave that was formed by the Hinboun River which flows through the cave year-round and that is reachable with a boat ride right through the main cavern, up to 90 meters wide and 100 meters high.

You will make stops on the way to observe stalactites and other limestone formations. The cave is still used by local villagers as an access route to the region beyond.

Enjoy a picnic lunch along the riverside on the other side of the cave. Then you will visit the surroundings or swim in the Hinboun River. Return to Sala Hinboun late afternoon, where you'll spend the night.

Day 3: On the last day you'll be transferred by local slow boat or minivan to Ban Napouar Pier then back to Vientiane in A/C minivan. Lunch en route in a local restaurant.

You'll be arriving in Vientiane in the afternoon

Tours in Laos

Are you traveling with your family?

Then this tour is perfect for you! :-)

Day 1: The first day starts in Luang Prabang where you can attend a Lao dance performance, and then you'll be exploring the night market.

Day 2: The next day you will be joining local Lao families as they participate in the morning alms ritual, making offerings to monks as they walk down the streets.

After this you'll head to the Kuang Si waterfalls to spend the morning swimming and hiking through the surroundings and enjoying a picnic lunch.

Here's more information about Kuang Si waterfalls (opens in a new window)

You'll be returning to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, and visit the ethnology center where you can participate in a serene baci ceremony.

Day 3: In the morning you will be cruising on the Mekong River, on your way to the Pak Ou Caves and onwards to Kamu Lodge, where you'll be spending the night.

For the kids there are activities like rice planting, gold panning, fishing and trekking.

Day 4: The next day you'll be taking the boat back to Luang Prabang.

 

Tours in Laos

Are you on a short time line and want to discover north Laos? Then I recommend this tour.

The itinerary is laid out like this: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou - Kuang Si - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Vientiane

Day 1: On your first day you'll be taken to La Residence Phou Vao.

Then pay a visit to a local art exhibition and participate in a Lao tea-testing ceremony.

At sunset, ascend the 328 steps to the top of Phou Si Mountain that offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding rivers and cityscape before wandering through the Hill tribe Market for traditional textiles and handicrafts.

Day 2: The second day starts with a cruise along the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, where you will discover gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes nestled deep in the limestone caverns.

Next stop is Royal Palace, then National Muesum, before exploring the gilded temples such as Wat Mai, Wat Sensoukarahm and Wat Xieng Thong.

If you are interested in entertainment, you can catch a performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre.

Day 3: If you're an early riser, you will have the option to observe the monks receiving alms from the locals at around 6.00 am.

After breakfast you'll be visiting Wat Visoun, Watermelon Stupa and Wat Aham. Then onto Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Day 4: On your way to Vang Vieng, you'll be stopping by Kasi and enjoy some of the local fruit produce.

When arriving in Vang Vieng you can either watch the sun setting, or trek and explore the numerous caverns.

Day 5: Start off your 5th day with a trip to Nam Ngum Lake and the mountainous surroundings.

Then you'll cruise slowly on the lake and observe fishermen in their daily activities. Gain further insights into local livelihoods at Ban Kheune's salt mine and local marke.

Day 6: Start the day with a visit to Wat Sisaket with hundreds of Buddha statues nestled in the temple walls and Vat Ho Phra Keo, the temple that once housed the sacred "Emerald Buddha".

Continue your journey onto Presidential Palace, the popular Wat Simuang.

In the afternoon, ascend the steps up to Patuxai, Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe for a spectacular view over a city.

Day 7: After breakfast, spend the morning leisurely before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

Alappuzha Kerala | Floating Alappuzha backwaters | Accommodation, food of Kerala | India backpackers

Alleppey Kerala: Backwaters and Alleppey beach

Alleppey in Kerala, also known as Allapuzha (ala-po-rah), is often referred to as Venice of the East by travel magazines and local tourism government.

It neighbors Vembanad Lake. The network of canals and lagunes -- called the backwaters -- is the main reason why travelers visit Alleppey.

Since the 90s, the number of house boats have increased dramatically.

It started with a couple of house boats in the 90s, but as of today there are 500-600 house boats roaming the backwaters. They were originally used for cargo transport, but now most of them cater travelers and tourists.

The house boat industry in Kerala employs around 1800-2000 Keralites, including boat drivers and chefs.

Alleppey Kerala: Women at Muhamma coir sub-center (Alleppey district) Alleppey itself is quite small, and it's easy to get around. The city center around Mullackal road, is a dusty and a busy place, with traffic jams.

The lake side of town is the most charming part, with luscious jungle and lake side view. This is where many homestays and resorts are located :-)

If you want to cool down, you can visit Alleppey beach. Have in mind though that it's not regular custom to wear a bikini and jump into the water. The currents are very strong, and you will most likely experience staring from the locals.

Some of my class mates solved this problem. They found a resort on the beach, where other travelers where sunbathing in their bikinis. My class mates decided to 'join them'. This way, they felt more comfortable, and there were almost no locals nearby :-)

Alleppey Kerala: Alleppey beach

Beware that Alleppey is a mosquito magnet! Compared to other places in Kerala and India, this place has a high density of mosquitoes.

Kerala is the state with highest literacy rates in India, where 93,3 % of the population can read and write. This is due to the Communist Party in Kerala, who has been prioritizing education and health.

Alleppey and Kerala has its darker sides though. If you take the time to walk in the streets of Alleppey, you will notice long queues to government liquor shops, where local men are struggling to buy liquor.

Did you know that an average Keralite drinks more than 8 liters of alcohol per year?

It's sad that Kerala is also known for its alcoholics, and it has a strong connection to the high unemployment in the State.

By air: The nearest airport to Alleppey is Kochi airport.

For more information on how to get to/from Kochi airport, visit this article -- Kochi India Cheap flights to Kochi/Alleppey:

By train: Alleppey can be reached by train from most major cities and towns in Kerala, for example Kochi (1-2 hours), Trivandrum (2-3 hours), Kozhikode/Calicut (5-6 hours) and so on.

The railway station in Alleppey is a 10 minutes auto ride from downtown (Rs 50-70).

By bus: One of the cheapest ways of traveling in Kerala is by bus. Most inter-state buses stop at Central Bus station in Alleppey (KSRTC).

For example: From Ambalapuzha to Alleppey we paid Rs 14 for the express bus. Ordinary local buses cost Rs 10 from Ambalapuzha.

By foot, it takes 10-15 minutes to Mullackal road. An auto from the bus station to Lake Side cost around Rs 20 depending on your bargaining skills. There's a long line of autos right next to the shops across the bus station -? you can't miss it.

KSRTC bus station in Alleppey Kerala

By taxi: Taking the taxi is obviously the most efficient way to travel from A to B. It's of course a lot more expensive than local transportation. But if you're traveling in a group, it can be economically manageable to take a taxi.

From Varkala to Alleppey we paid Rs 2700 for a taxi (February 2011), and we were 5 people. They had to arrange a bigger car for us, so that's why it was more expensive. If we were 4 people or less, it would have cost Rs 2300.

Alleppey Kerala: On a local bus Getting around: Auto rickshaws are the most common transportation in Alleppey. From Alleppey city center to Lake Side, we paid Rs 50 each time.

There are also local buses in Alleppey. From Lake Side to the city center, the cost is Rs 4,5.

Exploring Alleppey by foot is the most rewarding thing to do. As I mentioned earlier it's quite easy to get around.

We went by foot a lot of times when we stayed in Alleppey. But when the sun and humidity was too much for us, we took an auto.

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Important information for Alleppey:
Banks and ATMs: ATMs are scattered around town, especially along the main road, Mullackal road.Internet: Rs 40 per hour (Hello World, Blue Moon), Rs 3 for a copy